Fire trucks responded to this controlled burn-off near Hilton Rd, in Highcliff, yesterday after firefighters fielded calls from members of the public. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONFirefighters are urging the public to tell them about controlled burns in advance to save them wasting resources after crews were sent to a blaze in Dunedin yesterday. The smoke was coming from a controlled burn, which had no issues. "It just would be nice for members of the public, even if they’re having a burn in an open season, to let us know. Not everyone would realise it might be coming from a controlled burn during an open season.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 03, 2026 16:01 UTC